Face To Face

Studio Incamminati artists, in partnership with The Craniofacial Program at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, have joined in a groundbreaking program using the intimate process of portrait painting to help young people with craniofacial conditions see themselves in a different light.

Face To Face: The Craniofacial Program Portrait Project is the first of its kind in the United States. It assesses the experiences of children and adolescents with craniofacial conditions by using a novel intervention—sitting for a portrait. It also scientifically documents the impact of the psychosocial functioning of the participants. Eight patients between the ages of 7 and 25 years with craniofacial conditions were paired with artists from Studio Incamminati. Psychologists documented each child's experience as a portrait subject and measured the psychosocial impact.

The portraits themselves were completed over multiple sittings which enabled each patient, artist and the patients’ family to develop a unique relationship. Patients and artists collaborated on the composition of the portraits and patients chose clothes that expressed themselves and pick the most comfortable pose. Each patient received a framed print of the completed portrait. The portraits premiered Oct. 6, 2010 at the Ruth and Tristram Colket, JR. Translational Research Building at Children's Hospital.

The artists and patients were interviewed about their experiences with the project before and after the portraits were painted. Exit interviews reveal that the project had a positive impact on how participants feel about themselves, enhancing their resilience and helping see themselves in a more positive light. Eight portraits have been completed and plans are in place for Face To Face to be a continuing project. In addition to adding to the scientific body of knowledge, the paintings will be exhibited publicly this fall in the hospital's new Colket Translational Research Building in an effort to highlight the challenges and strengths associated with living with a visible difference.

Craniofacial problems are complex medical conditions that can disfigure a child's skull, face and head, and affect his or her ability to speak, breathe, hear and eat. Craniofacial problems also can negatively impact a child's feelings about themselves, as well as how they are treated by others. Facial disfigurement can make a child vulnerable to: poor self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction, depression, social anxiety, isolation, social rejection and discrimination.

Despite this, children with these conditions show resilience and strength. They strive to return normalcy to their lives by going to school, playing sports, exploring interests and spending time with friends and family — often while coping with major surgeries and other therapies throughout their childhood and adolescence. In our beauty-focused culture, their stories of courage, perseverance and resilience are often overlooked.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital, has a long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives. It ranks third in National Institutes of Health funding and its family-centered care and public-service programs spotlight the 460-bed hospital as a leading advocate for children and adolescents.
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Studio Incamminati

Studio Incamminati, founded by renowned Bucks County painter Nelson Shanks, is modeled on the traditional Italian accademia and French atelier systems of a master teaching the apprentice. Its artists have won numerous awards, been featured in the art press and had their artwork displayed in collections nationwide.

Edwin and Fannie Gray Center for Human Appearance

Funding for Face to Face: The Craniofacial Program Portrait Project is provided by a grant from the Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance. It is the first such center in a university setting and the first multi-specialty center devoted to all aspects of human appearance from cosmetic surgery to reconstructive trauma, cancer and birth-defect repair.
Edwin and Fannie Gray Center for Human Appearance